Seal program covers products that fight enamel erosion

July 06, 2017

By Michelle Manchir

Recognizing that there may be over-the-counter products that can help prevent or reduce enamel erosion from dietary acids, the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs earlier this year created an ADA Seal category related to the topic.

“Like all products that carry the ADA Seal, a Seal in the erosion category will mean the product is safe,” said Dr. Martha Ann Keels, a member of the Council on Scientific Affairs’ Seal subcommittee who is also an adjunct professor of pediatric dentistry at the University of North Carolina School of Dentistry and an adjunct associate professor at Duke University. “Before earning the Seal, the efficacy for prevention and reduction of enamel erosion will have to be validated by at least two in situ clinical studies that demonstrate the product strengthens the enamel to prevent initial and/or further loss of the enamel due to acid attack.”

Earlier this year, the Council on Scientific Affairs revised all Seal requirements to be consistent with current ADA and American National Standards Institute-approved standards. The newly implemented requirements also help to ensure data submitted by companies reflects current scientific knowledge and study design.

“The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs and its Seal subcommittee recognized that dental acid erosion is a real concern,” said Dr. Keels. “The Seal subcommittee conducted an extensive literature review in order to develop the requirements for this category.”